Patient and Healthcare Provider Resource

Patient and Healthcare Providers Resource

OralChemoEdSheets.com, Patient + Healthcare Providers Resource

OralChemoEdSheets.com, the Patient and Healthcare Providers Resource

Generic

Tamoxifen Citrate

(tuh-MOK-sih-FEN SIH-trayt)

Brand

Soltamox®

(SOL-ta-mox)

Tamoxifen Citrate (Soltamox®) is used to treat certain types of hormone-dependent breast cancer and to prevent breast cancer in some high-risk individuals.

 
Our Medication Sheet

This sheet is available to download as an Adobe PDF.

Get Tamoxifen Citrate Medication Sheet

 

Page 1 TAMOXIFEN ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Name of your medication Generic name — tamoxifen citrate tuh MOK sih FEN SIH trayt Brand name — Soltamox® SOL ta mox Approved uses Tamoxifen is used to treat certain types of hormone dependent breast cancer and to prevent breast cancer in some high risk individuals Dose and schedule Taking tamoxifen as instructed is important to allow your treatment to be as effective as possible so here are some key points to remember o Your dose may vary but the usual dose of tamoxifen is 20 milligrams 20 mg to be taken by mouth at a scheduled time once a day o Tamoxifen can be taken with or without food but at the same time each day o Tamoxifen should be taken whole and not crushed cut or dissolved If you are unable to swallow tamoxifen talk to your care provider or pharmacist for possible options o If you miss a dose of tamoxifen do not take an extra dose or two doses at one time Simply take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time Be sure to write down if you miss a dose and let your care provider know about any missed doses Storage and handling Handle tamoxifen with care Just like when chemotherapy is given into the vein this drug can be toxic and exposure of the drug to others should be limited o Store tamoxifen at room temperature 68°F–77°F in a dry location away from light o Keep tamoxifen out of reach of children and pets o Leave tamoxifen in the provided packaging until it is ready to be taken o Whenever possible give tamoxifen to yourself and follow the steps below If a family member friend or caregiver needs to give tamoxifen to you they also need to follow these steps 1 Wash hands with soap and water 2 Put on gloves to avoid touching the medication Gloves are not necessary if you give the drug to yourself 3 Gently transfer the tamoxifen from its package to a small medicine or other disposable cup 4 Administer the medicine immediately by mouth with water 5 Remove gloves and do not use them for anything else 6 Throw gloves and medicine cup in household trash 7 Wash hands with soap and water TAMOXIFEN ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 2 o If a daily pill box or pill reminder is used a separate one should be used for tamoxifen Do not mix other medications into the box with tamoxifen The person filling the box or reminder should wear gloves gloves are not necessary if you are filling the box or reminder When empty the box or reminder should be washed with soap and water before refilling Be sure to wash hands with soap and water after the task is complete whether or not gloves are worn o If you have any unused tamoxifen do not throw it in the trash and do not flush it down the sink or toilet Talk to your care provider or pharmacist about proper disposal of tamoxifen o If you are traveling put your tamoxifen in a sealed plastic bag Ask your pharmacist if any additional travel precautions are needed Handling body fluids and waste Because tamoxifen remains in your body for several days after it is taken some of the drug may be present in urine stool sweat or vomit Once you have started to take tamoxifen it is important to follow the instructions below every day for as long as your treatment lasts This is to keep yourself loved ones and the environment as safe as possible o Pregnant women should avoid touching anything that may be soiled with body fluids from the patient o Toilet and septic systems You may use the same toilet septic tank and/or sewer that you usually use If you have a low flow toilet close the lid and flush twice to ensure all waste has been discarded If the toilet or toilet seat becomes soiled with urine stool or vomit clean the surfaces before other people use the toilet Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet o If you need a bedpan be sure your caregiver knows to wear gloves to assist with cleanup and to wash the bedpan with soap and water every day o If you do not have good control of bladder or bowels use a disposable pad with a plastic back a diaper or a sheet to absorb body waste o Wash any skin that has been exposed to body waste or tamoxifen with soap and water o Linens or clothing that are soiled with body fluids or body waste should be washed separately from other linens and clothing If you do not have a washer place the soiled linens in a plastic bag until they can be washed o Wash hands with soap and water after touching linens or clothing that may be soiled with body fluids Drug and food interactions o Tamoxifen has many drug interactions Inform your care providers of all prescription medications over the counter medications vitamins and herbal products o Talk with your care provider or pharmacist before taking new medications or supplements or receiving any vaccines Serious side effects of tamoxifen o Tamoxifen can increase your risk of having a blood clot including stroke o Tamoxifen can increase your risk of endometrial cancer TAMOXIFEN ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 3 Side Effects of Tamoxifen The common side effects that have been known to happen in more than 30% of patients taking tamoxifen are listed in the left side of this table You MAY NOT experience these side effects Options to help manage any side effects that do occur are included on the right side of this table These should be discussed with your care provider If you experience any side effect you cannot manage or that is not listed here contact your care provider Possible Side Effect Management Hot flashes sudden sweating and feelings of warmth If hot flashes are bothersome Mild regular exercise program may help Consult first with your care provider Try staying in a cool environment Wear layers so that you can remove outer layers when experiencing a hot flash Avoid or limit caffeine spicy food alcohol and stress which may worsen hot flashes Inform your care provider if your hot flashes are bothersome as there may be medications that can help Increased vaginal discharge If vaginal discharge is bothersome wear a mini pad throughout the day Notify your care provider if the discharge becomes bloody or has an unusual smell Fluid retention or swelling Do not stand for long periods of time Keep your legs elevated when sitting or lying down Avoid eating salty foods which can increase swelling Avoid wearing tight fitting clothing and shoes Weigh yourself daily Contact your care provider if you notice any of the following Swelling in the hands feet or legs Shortness of breath Weight gain of five pounds or more in a week If you experience ANY uncontrolled side effect call your physician or healthcare center immediately INSTITUTIONAL CONTACT INFO TAMOXIFEN ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 4 Pregnancy sexual activity and contraception o Women should not become pregnant and men should not get a partner pregnant while taking tamoxifen Men and women of childbearing age and potential should use effective contraception during therapy and for a minimum of two months after the last dose of tamoxifen o Do not breastfeed while taking tamoxifen and for two months after the last dose of tamoxifen o Inform your care provider if you become pregnant o It is safe to hug and kiss Special precautions may be needed for sexual activity while on oral chemotherapy and you are encouraged to ask your care provider Obtaining medication o Talk with your care provider about the process for obtaining your tamoxifen PHARMACY OR SPECIALTY PHARMACY CONTACT INFO Additional resources Product website http //soltamox com Product prescribing information http //soltamox com/wp content/uploads/2016/07/Soltamox FDA Approved Package Insert pdf www accessdata fda gov/drugsatfda docs/label/2005/17970s053lbl pdf Product resources http //soltamox com/resources network Updated – August 30 2017 TAMOXIFEN ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 5 Additional instructions Important notice The Association of Community Cancer Centers ACCC Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association HOPA National Community Oncology Dispensing Association Inc NCODA and Oncology Nursing Society ONS have collaborated in gathering information for and developing this patient education guide This guide represents a brief summary of the medication derived from information provided by the drug manufacturer and other resources This guide does not cover all existing information related to the possible uses directions doses precautions warnings interactions adverse effects or risks associated with this medication and should not substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional Provision of this guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or imply endorsement recommendation or favoring of this medication by ACCC HOPA NCODA or ONS who assume no liability for and cannot ensure the accuracy of the information presented The collaborators are not making any representations with respect to the medications whatsoever and any and all decisions with respect to such medications are at the sole risk of the individual consuming the medication All decisions related to taking this medication should be made with the guidance and under the direction of a qualified healthcare professional Permission Oral Chemotherapy Education OCE sheets are provided as a free educational resource for patients with cancer in need of concise easy to understand information about oral cancer drugs Healthcare providers are permitted to copy and distribute the sheets to patients as well as direct patients to the OCE website for information However commercial reproduction or reuse as well as rebranding or reposting of any type are strictly prohibited without permission of the copyright holder Please email permission requests and licensing inquiries to Contact@NCODA org Copyright © 2017 by Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association All rights reserved

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